best way to clean finds

[richbat]

i know this question will probably get alot of answers,but what is the best way to clean your finds? i'm looking for something safe to do everything from coins to relics in one shot without doing any damage,or must evrything be approached differently? i have read peroxide would work,but will it work on everything? just hate to go and buy a dozen different things to do the job. thanks,rich

[Iron Patch]

or must evrything be approached differently?

Yes, and this is as far as anyone can go answering unless there is a specific item you have in mind and have pictures to post.

PS... You don't need many things, it's more just making the right decision if to clean, and if so what to use. Peroxide is one of the safer ways when an item needs to be cleaned.

[richbat]

thank you,after doing some more research i feel this would be the safest.

[nw1886]

I conserve ancient coins and with some, peroxide will tear 'em up. I would imagine that coins that are less old, wouldn't have some of the crystallization and delamination possibilities that these coins could have though. Exception...zincolns. (Who cares anyway!) Have seen some colonial stuff that shouldn't be soaked in peroxide too. Peroxide's expansion characteristic needs to be considered on some artifacts.

[RHoward]

I have experimented with a lot of things; some did not work and some were to harsh. The one thing that has worked very well is "Oxey 10 wash" for preventing pimples. Put enough in a small container to cover the coin and let set for awhile. Cleans silver and nickel without affecting the coin, can leave these coins in for long periods of time. Cleans pennies quite well and leave the patina on the coin; but check every 15 minutes and stop when you are satisfied. Long immersions will take the patina off the coin.

Also here is a site for commercial coin cleaning solutions.
http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/products/verdigone.html

As stated in other threads: NEVER CLEAN A VALUBLE COIN!!

[Iron Patch]

As stated in other threads: NEVER CLEAN A VALUBLE COIN!!

Are you sure about that? I cleaned one I sold for 5k last year and would have got far less had it not been cleaned.... because it couldn't be read. Never say never.

[RHoward]

OK Iron Patch there are exceptions. But only if you have nothing to lose. Just don't take a very nice 1909 s vdb and clean the patina from it.

[Iron Patch]

OK Iron Patch there are exceptions. But only if you have nothing to lose. Just don't take a very nice 1909 s vdb and clean the patina from it.

I definitely had something to lose because it was plenty identifiable and did have some value. I just wanted it better, and more money, and I know what will clean up and what won't. because I have been doing it for a long time. I have also cleaned some pretty rare buttons that were far better and much more valuable in the end. When it comes to dug items it's about the best final result and doesn't matter how you get there.